Man charged in dog-fighting case

A 26-year-old Battle Creek man was arraigned Thursday on charges he was training dogs for fighting.

Javaan James appeared in Calhoun County District Court on five counts of owning or possessing dogs for fighting and one count of having equipment used for dog fighting. The charges carry a maximum sentence of four years in prison but James had prior felonies for delivery of illegal drugs and resisting police so as a habitual offender he faces up to eight years in prison.

Magistrate Kate Ambrose said a preliminary examination is scheduled for July 28 and set bond at $5,000 cash. James asked for a court-appointed attorney.

After the hearing members of James' family declined comment.

Battle Creek police said they believe five dogs seized in the raid Wednesday were trained and used for fighting. They found injuries on the animals and seized items they said were used to train the animals for fighting.

Three dogs were found chained and two others in dog houses, including a 55-gallon barrel, during a drug raid at 168 Battle Creek Ave.

Sgt. Kurt Roth said police knew there were animals on the property but only discovered evidence of possible dog fighting when they executed a search warrant about 3 p.m.

Officers from the Special Investigations Unit and the Emergency Response Unit went to the property looking for drugs and weapons, Roth said.

Police did seize suspected crack cocaine as well as several handguns. They also found 12 television sets in their original packaging. Detectives said they believed they were stolen and were trying to determine from where.

During their investigation they also found the five pit bull terriers in the back yard as well as several items which police said could be used to train dogs for fighting.

Animal Control Officer Mike Ehart said he found three dogs were held by heavy logging chains and two were in dog houses, including the one fashioned from a steel barrel. One of the dogs had a severely injured or broken leg and others had infections and evidence of bite marks, he said.

All were taken to the Calhoun County Animal Shelter in Battle Creek and were undergoing medical evaluations and treatment.

Ehart reported finding a treadmill, bite pole and heavy leashes and harnesses he said can be used to train dogs for fighting. Logging chains that were nearly half of the weight of some of the dogs were used to restrain them.

Ehart listed the animals as:

•A 16-month-old male named Chopper

• A 6-month-old male named Mayweather

• A 2-year-old male named Chico

• A 16-month old female named Daisey with injuries to her face

Animal Control Officer Mike Ehart with Daisy, one of the dogs seized in a raid Wednesday.(Photo: Trace Christenson/The Enquirer)

• A 3-year-old female named Chyna with an injured leg and bite marks.

Ehart said when they interviewed the owner he said two of the dog had gotten into a fight the night before, but he didn't explain the older scars. He surrendered the dogs to officials. They were taken to the shelter individually because police said they were aggressive toward each other.

A second man was arrested at the scene on a parole violation. The investigation is continuing.

Contact Trace Christenson at 269-966-0685 or tchrist@battlecreekenquirer.com. Follow him on Twitter: @TSChristenson

Animal Control Officer Mike Ehart holds some of the heavy chains used to secure dogs seized Wednesday. On the table is a bait pole which officers said is used to train dogs for fighting.(Photo: Trace Christenson/The Enquirer)